Functional assessment of a skin care system in patients on chemotherapy

Background/ Purpose: Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy frequently experience skin problems such as xerosis. The aim of this study was to verify whether a concomitant treatment with an acidic washing and an acidic emollient ( both pH 5.5) can significantly improve the quality of the skin in such patients. Methods: 30 adult patients on chemotherapy experiencing dry and sensitive skin were included in a controlled, monocentric, 3-week treatment trial. One forearm served as a test site, the other one remained untreated. Noninvasive biophysical measurements were performed at baseline, on days 7, 14 and 21, along with clinical evaluation of the skin symptoms. Results: After a 3-week treatment, a significant increase in stratum corneum hydration was recorded in the treated site ( p < 0.001). Reduced transepidermal water loss values, consistent with a restored barrier function, were obtained ( p < 0.001). Casual sebum levels as measured by sebumetry showed a significant increase ( p < 0.03). All skin symptoms investigated revealed a considerable improvement over 3 weeks. Conclusion: Controlled and regular use of a skin care system, especially an acidic one, improved skin physiology in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.